As part of National Preparedness Month, we would like to highlight the importance of investing in emergency preparedness for Texas and Florida homeowners. Part of this emergency preparedness is purchasing a generator for your home.
When a weather storm moves in, it often creates power outages that can leave people without electricity for hours, days, and even weeks. When this happens, a generator can save the day. But the generator has to be reliable to power up when it is needed the most.
The market currently offers a handful of generators that provide these powerful features for your home. This is a comprehensive guide that will compare the differences between two well-known brands of generators; Kohler and Generac.
We will compare the following key factors and features that are important to consider when purchasing a generator for your home:
- Generator Lifespan
- Power
- Storage Options & Installation
- Reputation & Experience
- Product Range
- Technology & Features
- Service & Support
- Pricing
Kohler Generators
Kohler has a long history of building generators that have provided consistent support for homes around the world. They are masterfully designed and thoroughly tested throughout the entire production process. The rigorous testing and quality assurance metrics ensure that each generator delivers electricity when it’s needed.
Lifespan
Kohler generators are reliable. They are extremely well-built with materials that withstand inclement weather. In fact, Kohler generators have been used on South Pole expeditions where temperatures are consistently freezing.
Key Characteristics that Make Kohler a Lasting Generator
- The case of the generator is corrosion-proof and will withstand harsh weather conditions
- Kohler generators are also programmed to test themselves every week for 20 minutes
- During this test, it produces a diagnostic check to ensure that it is in good working condition.
- The lifespan of Kohler generators is about 25-40 years
For extra peace of mind, the manufacturer offers a 5-year and 2000-hour warranty for on-grid use. If you choose to use the generator in off-grid locations, the warranty protection is good for 18 months and 1000 hours.
Did you know that buying a generator is an investment in the value of your home? Read about it on our blog to learn more.
Power
Kohler generators are very impressive in the amount of power they can deliver. The exclusive Powerboost technology used in the build of this generator allows it to start without fail. Here are some power features of this manufacturer:
- Delivers electricity to all of your appliances and even your air conditioning unit
- It self-regulates the voltage it delivers without damaging any electronics.
- It delivers high and low voltage according to the appliance or equipment being powered up.
- If you want to power it up, you won’t need to step outside to do so because you can control it through your phone or desktop.
Storage Options & Installation
Kohler generators are easy to store around the perimeter of your home. They do not require a mounting pad, which gives you options of where to put it. Unlike some other generators, Kohler is quiet and will allow you to enjoy your peaceful home as it works to power your home.
Installing a Kohler generator is an easy process. As we already mentioned, this generator does not require a concrete mounting pad because it is made with a polymer base.
In short, buying a Kohler generator is buying yourself peace of mind and allowing yourself to breathe easily even through a power outage. Your home and all appliances will be fully functioning, despite the weather outside.
Reputation & Experience
As far as experience, Kohler comes out on the top, leading with over 100 years in the power generation industry. They have a long-standing reputation for the high-quality products they produce, using highly innovative engineering that continues to serve many households across America.
Product Range
Kohler offers multiple a variety of generators that can be used with propane, gas, diesel, and natural gas. Their range of generators also comes with the capacity to serve residential, commercial, or industrial settings, depending on your specific power needs.
Technology & Features
Kohler generators are known for the advanced technology and innovative features they have to offer:
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
- Remote Monitoring (OnCue® Plus)
- Corrosion-Resistant Enclosure
- Fast Response Time
- Quiet Operation
- PowerBoost™ Technology
- Fuel Flexibility
- Commercial-Grade Engine
- Voltage Regulation
- Durable Engine Design
Kohler generators provide a reliable source of clean energy with minimal distortions. Their built-in technological features and control panel are user-friendly and provide remote monitoring capabilities.
Service & Support
Kohler is known for its flexible and customer-facing warranties, as well as their excellent customer service practices. Because it is considered a favorite manufacturer among electricians, it is also widely represented by generator dealers such as PPS.
Pricing
Residential generators from Kohler range from 10kW to 48kW. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) ranges between $3,395 to $18,450, depending on the size required. This doesn’t factor in the installation costs to cover the required labor. Kohler generators also come with a 2,000-hour or 5-year warranty on standby generators.
Generac Generators
Generac has been around for over 60 years and has consistently produced high-quality generators used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They carry a very large selection of generators at an affordable price.
Lifespan
Here are some key facts to know about the lifespan of the Generac generator:
- Generac generators are rated for 25 to 30 years of service, depending on how much it is used, how well it is maintained, and the quality of the initial installation
- The RhinoCoat powder-coated finish helps protect the generator from corrosion and damage from strong weather storms
- Like Kohler, it also runs a self-diagnostic test to ensure that it is working properly
Power
Generac generators can protect your appliances and electronics.
- Generators function on a system monitor that moderates the amount of power delivered to the various devices throughout your home
- Provides the capability to control it from an app on your phone, tablet, or computer
Storage Options & Installation
Generacs are easy to place around the perimeter of the home. Because they are enclosed in a subtle casing, they are sleek and do not overrun the aesthetics of your home.
Installing a Generac generator can be less expensive than other options. They are built to make the homeowner’s life easier while passing along some savings in the process.
Reputation & Experience
Generac is a well-known market leader in the power generation industry with 60 years of experience. They have excelled in providing residential standby generators for homes in Florida, Texas, and other parts of the country. Many people love their generators for their reliability and performance.
Product Range
Generac’s line of generators is also diverse, catering to varying degrees of power needs in both residential and commercial settings.
Technology and Features
Generac generators are renowned for their user-friendly design and cutting-edge features such as:
- True Power™ Technology
- Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
- Quiet-Test™ Mode
- Evolution™ Controller
- G-Flex™ Technology.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Weather-Resistant Enclosure
- Multiple Fuel Options
- Smart Management Modules (SMM)
- High Power Output.
- Self-Diagnostics
Service & Support
Generac also offers stellar customer service and a wide service network among dealers. Their customer services provide technical support and maintenance as well.
Pricing
Generac offers generators with a kilowattage of 7 kW to 60 kW, with a price range of $2,049 to $17,569. The features offer Wi-Fi options and a transfer switch, which is typically required for generators. Generac’s warranty is 3 years long for parts of standalone generators.
Call Personalized Power Systems Today!
Are you still not sure of the type of generator you should get for your home?
Contact PPS Generators today schedule a visit and learn more about your options and which generator will serve you best. Our crew will help you make a lasting, worthwhile decision for your home.
